We Say, You Say: Northland Tooth Fairy
Do you think the charges laid against the Northland "tooth fairy" are fair?
Northland woman Claire Wihongi-Matene is facing seven charges brought forward by the Ministry of Health due to manufacturing illegal dentures.
The charges include one of claiming to be a health practitioner and another six charges of performing a restricted activity. The Kaikohe woman could potentially face a maximum of a $190,000 fine and is currently awaiting trial.
Wihongi-Matene is defending the charges stating that she only wishes to help those that cannot afford basic dental care in her community.
"It started off with like aunties and uncles and you know the whānau and just helping them out and then, of course, word of mouth - they told their friends and next minute like I just had people coming from all over."
Share your thoughts in the reply section and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the Conversations section of your local community paper.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
⛰️ Is Bream Head the ultimate Northland spot?
According to The Press, the Bream Head Scenic Reserve at Whangārei Heads has it all: the best views, the best forest, and the best adventures.
Do you have a hidden gem that gives Bream Head a run for its money?
We’re on a mission to find Northland's best "Secret Spots" 🤫
We want to hear from you! What is your go-to spot when you want to show off the best of the North to friends or family? 📸
Drop your recommendations (and photos!) in the comments below! 👇
Get up to $30,000 back* with your new home
Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 31 March 2026 and receive a $30,000 credit on settlement or sign up to a serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement*.
Imagine a new smart TV, your next getaway or furniture for your new home. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!
Discover the lifestyle that awaits.
*Participating villages only, Terms and conditions apply.
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